Description
Product Description
Sisyrinchium ‘Suwanee’ (Suwanee Blue-Eyed Grass) is a compact, clumping perennial that reads like a tiny iris: fine, grass-like blades and a spring flush of starry blue-violet flowers with golden eyes. Tidy and durable along paths, in rock gardens, meadow edges, and mixed borders, it thrives in full sun to light part sun and well-drained soils. Easy to grow, low maintenance, and subtly evergreen in mild climates, ‘Suwanee’ brings a refined, naturalistic finish to high-visibility spaces.
Quick-Glance Specs
| Attribute | Details |
| Botanical Name | Sisyrinchium ‘Suwanee’ |
| Common Name | Suwanee Blue-Eyed Grass (also seen as Suwannee Blue-Eyed Grass) |
| Plant Type | Perennial (Iris family) |
| Native/Non-native | Native species background (North America); cultivar selection |
| Hardiness Zone | 4–9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to light part sun |
| Moisture | Dry to medium; prefers well-drained soils; avoid winter-wet |
| Mature Height | 6–12″ |
| Mature Spread | 8–12″ clump |
| Growth Habit | Dense, tufting clumps; slowly increases by short rhizomes/seed |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Fragrance | None |
| Bloom Time | Late spring to early summer (repeat lightly with deadheading) |
| Flower Color | Blue to violet-blue with yellow eyes |
| Seasonal Interest | Spring bloom; neat evergreen/semi-evergreen tuft (mild zones) |
| Foliage & Features | Narrow, iris-like leaves; clean edge-forming habit |
| Landscape Features | Drought tolerant once established; pollinator-friendly; neat edging |
| Landscape Uses | Path/drive edges, rock & gravel gardens, meadow matrices, front-of-border ribbons |
| Soil | Sandy/loamy, well-drained; tolerates lean soils |
| Water Needs | Low to medium after establishment |
| Maintenance | Low—shear spent stems; divide to refresh |
| Deer/Pest Resistance | Generally deer resistant; few serious pests |
| Container Friendly | Excellent for small to medium containers with sharp drainage |
| Recommended Spacing | 8–12″ for a continuous edging/matrix |
Care & Growing Information
- Site & Light: Choose full sun for the heaviest bloom and tightest tuft; light part sun is fine in hot regions.
- Soil & Water: Needs well-drained soil—sandy or gravelly loam ideal. Water to establish; afterward, it’s drought tolerant with occasional deep watering in prolonged dry spells. Avoid winter-wet, poorly drained locations.
- Planting: Set crowns level with soil; space 8–12″ on center for a clean edging or groundcover matrix.
- Maintenance: Deadhead or lightly shear after peak bloom to tidy and encourage a light rebloom. Divide every 3–4 years (late summer or early spring) to maintain vigor and density. Fertilize sparingly; excess fertility loosens the form.
Key Features
- Petite blue-violet stars with golden eyes in late spring
- Tidy, grass-like tufts that edge paths and beds beautifully
- Drought tolerant once established; low maintenance
- Deer resistant and well-suited to lean, well-drained sites
- Excellent rock garden and front-of-border performer
Problems
- Crown/root rot in soggy or winter-wet soils—ensure sharp drainage.
- Occasional leaf spotting in stagnant humidity—improve airflow. Generally pest-free; rabbits may sample tender growth.
Uses in the Landscape
- Edging along paths, walks, and stepping-stone runs
- Rock and gravel gardens with lean, sunny soils
- Matrix plantings with low grasses and spring bulbs
- Containers for neat, fine-textured accents
Availability / Ordering
- Sizes Offered: #1 Gallon, 4″, DP-50 Plug
- Recommended Spacing: 8–12″ to knit into a continuous, flowering ribbon.
Why You’ll Love It
- Jewel-like spring flowers on a compact, evergreen tuft
- Effortless edging plant for modern and naturalistic designs
- Thrives on sun + drainage, with minimal inputs
Quick Highlights
A compact, blue-flowering perennial with grass-like foliage—Sisyrinchium ‘Suwanee’ provides crisp edging, drought-smart performance, and cheerful late-spring color in sunny, well-drained sites.
